Resolute

Resolute

“As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” Luke 9:51

To be resolute means to be firm in purpose, determined, and unwavering. Some of us are resolute in following a specific nutritional program or workout schedule. The verse above tells us that “as the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.”

That’s immense! Jesus was determined and unwavering in going to Jerusalem for the Passover. It’s immense because Jesus knew what was awaiting Him there. He knew He would be falsely arrested, unfairly tried, and cruelly executed. He was resolute about going, but He was no victim of circumstance. He went willingly, but not in weakness. As He said in John 9:17-18: “The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again.”

Jesus could have easily annihilated His opposition. But He didn’t. Instead, He willingly suffered and died. Why? Because that was the only way to pay the price for our sins. He’s the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep. “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.  We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:5-6)

Jesus loves us. That’s why He resolutely went to Jerusalem, and it’s why we should resolutely follow Him.

Think about what it means to be a resolute follower of Christ. Here’s what the Apostle Paul said, “I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24)

Are you a resolute follower of Jesus?